Spearhead TWIGA 120 User manual

Spearhead TWIGA 120
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TWIGA
WIGAWIGA
WIGA 120
Edition 1.3 - April 2014
Part No. 8999039

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CE Declaration of Conformity,
CE Declaration of Conformity,CE Declaration of Conformity,
CE Declaration of Conformity,
Conforming to E Machinery Directive
Conforming to E Machinery Directive Conforming to E Machinery Directive
Conforming to E Machinery Directive 2006/42
2006/422006/42
2006/42/EC
/EC/EC
/EC
We, Spearhead Machinery Ltd, Green View, Salford Priors, Evesham,
Worcestershire, WR11 8SW hereby declare that:
Product
……………………………………………..…………………………
Product Code ……………………………………………..…………………………
Serial No ……………………………………………..……..………………….
Type ……………………………………………..…………………………
Manufactured by: Alamo Manufacturing Services (UK) Limited, Station Road, Salford
Priors, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8SW
Complies with the required provisions of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. The
Machinery Directive is supported by the following harmonized standards:
•BS EN ISO 14121-1 (2007) Safety of Machinery – Risk Assessment, Part 1:
Principles Part 2: Practical Guide and Examples of Methods.
•BS EN ISO 12100-1 (2010) Safety of Machinery – Part 1: Basic Terminology and
Methodology Part 2: Technical Principles.
•BS EN 349 (1993) + A1 (2008) Safety of Machinery – Minimum Distances to avoid
the Entrapment of Human Body Parts.
•BS EN 953 (1998) Safety of Machinery – Guards General Requirements for the
Design and Construction of Fixed and Movable Guards.
•BS EN 982 (1996) + A1 (2008) Safety Requirements for Fluid Power Systems and
their Components. Hydraulics.
The EC Declaration only applies if the machine stated above is used in accordance with
the operating instructions.
Signed
(On behalf of Spearhead Machinery Ltd)
Status General Manager
Date 01/04/2014

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IMPORTANT
VERIFICATION OF WARRANTY REGISTRATION
DEALER WARRANTY INFORMATION & REGISTRATION VERIFICATION
It is imperative that the selling dealer registers this machine with Spearhead Machinery
Limited before delivery to the end user – failure to do so may affect the validity of the
machine warranty.
To register machines go to the Spearhead Machinery Limited web site at
www.spearheadmachinery.com, log onto ‘Dealer Inside’ and select the ‘Machine
Registration button’which can be found in the Service Section of the site. Confirm to
the customer that the machine has been registered in the section below.
Should you experience any problems registering a machine in this manner please
contact the Spearhead Service Department on 01789 491867.
Registration Verification
Dealer Name: ……………………..…………………………………………………………….
Dealer Address: …….………………………………………………………………………….
Customer Name: ……………………..…………………………………………………………
Date of Warranty Registration:
……/……/...…… Dealer Signature: ………………..……
NOTE TO CUSTOMER / OWNER
Please ensure that the above section has been completed and signed by the selling
dealer to verify that your machine has been registered with Spearhead Machinery
Limited.
IMPORTANT: During the initial ‘bedding in’ period of a new machine it is the
customer’s responsibility to regularly inspect all nuts, bolts and hose connections
for tightness and re-tighten if required. New hydraulic connections occasionally
weep small amounts of oil as the seals and joints settle in – where this occurs it
can be cured by re-tightening the connection – refer to torque settings chart
below. The tasks stated above should be performed on an hourly basis during the
first day of work and at least daily thereafter as part of the machines general
maintenance procedure.

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CAUTION: DO NOT OVER TORQUE HYDRAULIC FITTINGS AND HOSES
TORQUE SETTINGS FOR HYDRAULIC FITTINGS
HYDRAULIC HOSE ENDS PORT ADAPTORS WITH BONDED SEALS
BSP Setting Metric BSP Setting Metric
1/4” 18 Nm 19 mm 1/4” 34 Nm 19 mm
3/8” 31 Nm 22 mm 3/8” 47 Nm 22 mm
1/2” 49 Nm 27 mm 1/2” 102 Nm 27 mm
5/8” 60 Nm 30 mm 5/8” 122 Nm 30 mm
3/4” 80 Nm 32 mm 3/4” 149 Nm 32 mm
1” 125 Nm 41 mm 1” 203 Nm 41 mm
1.1/4” 190 Nm 50 mm 1.1/4” 305 Nm 50 mm
1.1/2” 250 Nm 55 mm 1.1/2” 305 Nm 55 mm
2” 420 Nm 70 mm 2” 400 Nm 70 mm
WARRANTY POLICY
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
All machines must be registered, by the selling dealer with Spearhead Machinery Ltd,
before delivery to the end user. On receipt of the goods it is the buyer’s responsibility to
check that the Verification of Warranty Registration in the Operator’s Manual has been
completed by the selling dealer.
1. LIMITED WARRANTIES
1.01. All machines supplied by Spearhead Machinery Limited are warranted to be free
from defects in material and workmanship from the date of sale to the original purchaser
for a period of 12 months, unless a different period is specified.
1.02. All spare parts supplied by Spearhead Machinery Limited are warranted to be free
from defects in material and workmanship from the date of sale to the original purchaser
for a period of 6 months.
1.03. The manufacturer will replace or repair for the purchaser any part or parts found,
upon examination at its factory, to be defective under normal use and service due to
defects in material or workmanship. Returned parts must be complete and unexamined.
1.04. This warranty does not apply to any part of the goods, which has been subjected to
improper or abnormal use, negligence, alteration, modification, fitment of non-genuine
parts, accident damage, or damage resulting from contact with overhead power lines,
damage caused by foreign objects (e.g. stones, iron, material other than vegetation),
failure due to lack of maintenance, use of incorrect oil or lubricants, contamination of the
oil, or which has served its normal life. This warranty does not apply to any expendable
items such as blades, flails, bushes, belts, flap kits, skids, shields, guards, wear pads or
pneumatic tyres.

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1.05. Temporary repairs and consequential loss - i.e. oil, downtime and associated parts
are specifically excluded from the warranty.
1.06. Warranty on hoses is limited to 12 months and does not include hoses which have
suffered external damage. Only complete hoses may be returned under warranty, any
which have been cut or repaired will be rejected.
1.07. Machines must be repaired immediately a problem arises. Continued use of the
machine after a problem has occurred can result in further component failures, for which
Spearhead Machinery Ltd cannot be held liable, and may have safety implications.
1.08. Except as provided herein, no employee, agent, dealer or other person is authorised
to give any warranties of any nature on behalf of Spearhead Machinery Ltd.
1.09. For machine warranty periods in excess of 12 months the following additional
exclusions shall apply:
1.09.1. Hoses, external seals, exposed pipes and hydraulic tank breathers.
1.09.2. Filters
1.09.3. Rubber mountings
1.09.4. External electric wiring.
1.09.5. Labour and mileage costs.
1.10. All service work, particularly filter changes, must be carried out in accordance with the
manufacturer’s service schedule. Failure to comply will invalidate the warranty. In the
event of a claim, proof of the service work being carried out may be required.
NB Warranty cover will be invalid if any non-genuine parts have been fitted or used.
Use of non-genuine parts may seriously affect the machine’s performance and
safety. Spearhead Machinery Ltd cannot be held responsible for any failures or
safety implications that arise due to the use of non-genuine parts.
2. REMEDIES AND PROCEDURES
2.01. The warranty is not effective unless the Selling Dealer registers the machine, via the
Spearhead Machinery web site and confirms the registration to the purchaser by
completing the confirmation form in the operator’s manual.
2.02. Any fault must be reported to an authorised Spearhead Machinery dealer as soon as
it occurs. Continued use of a machine, after a fault has occurred, can result in further
component failure for which Spearhead Machinery Ltd cannot be held liable.
2.03. Repairs should be undertaken within two days of the failure. Claims submitted for
repairs undertaken more than 2 weeks after a failure has occurred, or 2 days after the
parts were supplied will be rejected, unless the delay has been authorised by
Spearhead Machinery Ltd.
2.04. All claims must be submitted, by an authorised Spearhead Machinery Service Dealer,
within 30 days of the date of repair.

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2.05. Following examination of the claim and parts the manufacturer will pay, at their
discretion, for any valid claim the cost of any parts and an appropriate labour allowance if
applicable.
2.06. The submission of a claim is not a guarantee of payment.
2.07. Any decision reached by Spearhead Machinery Ltd is final.
3. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
3.01. The manufacturer disclaims any express (except as set forth herein) and implied
warranties with respect to the goods including, but not limited to, merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose.
3.02. The manufacturer makes no warranty as to the design, capability, capacity or suitability
for use of the goods.
3.03. Except as provided herein, the manufacturer shall have no liability or responsibility to the
purchaser or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss, or damage
caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the goods including, but not limited
to, any indirect, special, consequential, or incidental damages resulting from the use or
operation of the goods or any breach of this warranty. Notwithstanding the above
limitations and warranties, the manufacturer’s liability hereunder for damages incurred by
the purchaser or others shall not exceed the price of the goods.
3.04. No action arising out of any claimed breach of this warranty or transactions under this
warranty may be brought more than one (1) year after the cause of the action has
occurred.
4. MISCELLANEOUS
4.01.The manufacturer may waive compliance with any of the terms of this limited warranty, but
no waiver of any terms shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other term.
4.02. If any provision of this limited warranty shall violate any applicable law and is held to be
unenforceable, then the invalidity of such provision shall not invalidate any other provisions
herein.
4.03. Applicable law may provide rights and benefits to the purchaser in addition to those
provided herein.

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CONTENTS
CONTENTSCONTENTS
CONTENTS
General Information 7
Safety Information 8
Tractor Requirements 11
Tractor Preparation 12
Machine Fitting 14
Machine Removal 15
Storage 15
Operation 16
Maintenance 20
Cutterbar 21
Hydraulic Rams 23
Hydraulic System 24
Control Valve 26
Hydraulic Hoses 28
Pump & Tank Kit 29
Hydraulic Installation 30

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GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATIONGENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Always read this manual before fitting or operating the machine – whenever any
doubt exists contact your dealer or the Spearhead Machinery Service Department
for advice and assistance.
Use only Spearhead Machinery Genuine Service Parts on Spearhead Machinery
Equipment and Machines
DEFINITIONS – The following definitions apply throughout this manual:
WARNING
An operating procedure, technique etc., which – can result in personal injury or loss of life
if not observed carefully.
CAUTION
An operating procedure, technique etc., which – can result in damage to either machine or
equipment if not observed carefully.
NOTE
An operating procedure, technique etc., which – is considered essential to emphasis.
LEFT & RIGHT HAND
This term is applicable to the machine when attached to the tractor and is viewed from the
rear – this also applies to tractor references.
IMPORTANT:
During the initial ‘bedding in’ period of a new machine it is the customer’s
responsibility to regularly inspect all nuts, bolts and hose connections for tightness
and re-tighten if required. New hydraulic connections occasionally weep small
amounts of oil as the seals and joints settle in – where this occurs it can be cured
by re-tightening the connection – refer to torque settings chart below. The tasks
stated above should be performed on an hourly basis during the first day of work
and at least daily thereafter as part of the machines general maintenance procedure.

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SAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY INFORMATIONSAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY INFORMATION
There are obvious and hidden potential hazards involved in the operation of this
implement. Serious injury or death may occur unless care is taken to insure the safety of
both the operator and any other persons in the area. KEEP CLEAR AT ALL TIMES
The following is a list of some safeguards which should be followed. Serious injury or
death may occur unless care is taken.
▲ Where this is used as a rear-mounted implement it will remove weight from the front
wheels – this can result in less of steerage and risk of overturn. Add front end weight to
ensure 20% of tractor original weight is on the front wheels when the boom is in transport
position. This will aid steering safety reducing the risk of bodily injury.
▲ Always transport slowly on rough surface to prevent ‘bouncing’ of the front wheels
causing loss of steerage and possible injury.
▲ Always set tractor wheel width as wide as possible and add weights to the relevant
opposite wheel to counteract the weight of an extended implement.
▲ Operate the machine only with a tractor equipped with an approved roll-over-protection
system (ROPS). Always wear approved seat belts whenever the tractor or machine is
running. Serious injury or death could result from falling off the tractor seat. Do not alter
the ROPS structure.
▲ Always ensure that check chains/stabilizers are fitted and are in good condition and
tight.
▲ The operator and all support personnel should wear ‘Safety Shoes’, ‘Hard Hats’, and
‘Safety Glasses’ at all times to protect them against falling objects.
▲ Never allow inexperienced or untrained personnel to operate the tractor/cutterbar
combination without training or supervision.
▲ Always familiarise yourself with the controls in a clear safe area before commencing
work.
▲ Always familiarise yourself with the local highway regulations and abide by them at all
times.
▲ The boom and cutterhead change the balance of the machine in transport. Be
especially careful when transporting on slopes. Never turn uphill in transport except at very
slow speed and a low rate of turn. Never transport or operate this machine on steep
slopes. BE CAREFUL.
▲ Always inspect the work area or hedgerow for wire, steel posts, or other dangerous
materials and remove them if possible before commencing work.

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▲Always operate the machine at the recommended PTO speed. Never exceed the
maximum permitted.
▲When the cutter head is swung to the side (working position) of the tractor, it exerts a
momentum on the tractor causing the tractor to rock from side-to-side. Extreme Care
should be taken when operating on slopes, Bodily Harm or Death could result from
tractor's tipping over.
▲Never swing the arms of the machine over if the tractor is facing sideways, across or
facing down a slope. If swinging over on sloping ground is unavoidable the tractor must
always face directly up the slope.
▲Never allow riders on the tractor. Never lift a person with the boom or cutterhead. KEEP
BYSTANDERS CLEAR.
▲Inspect the entire machine periodically. Look for loose bolts, worn or broken parts,
pinched hydraulic hoses, and leaky or loose fittings. Make sure all pins are secure: Serious
injury may occur from not maintaining this machine in good working order.
▲Do not mount tractor when tractor is moving. Avoid serious injury or death from contact
with the rotating tyres. Mount and dismount the tractor only when it is completely stopped,
do not grasp the control levers when mounting or dismounting the tractor.
▲Always take extreme care when working around overhead obstructions. When working
close to overhead power lines consult your electric company for a safe code of operation.
▲The boom is designed only to position the cutterhead which is attached to it. Never
attempt to lift, pull, or push other objects with it. Serious injury could result from a structural
failure when the boom is used for purposes other than those for which it was designed.
▲The boom on this machine has a safety ‘breakback’ system with automatic return to the
work position, never allow anyone to stand in front of the boom or cutterhead in a position
where they could be injured if the boom were to move forward suddenly.
▲Always at all times keep fingers away from the cutter knife as it can be operated by a
movement of the crankshaft fly wheel caused by gravity even though the tractor engine is
switched off. When clearing any blockage always lay the cutterbar flat on the ground,
switch off the tractor, clamp the cutter knife firmly and remove the blockage using a
suitable tool.
▲Do not operate the machine with hydraulic oil leaking. Oil is expensive, and its presence
could present a hazard. Do not check for leaks with your hand-use cardboard. High-
pressure oil can penetrate the skin and cause GANGRENE. If oil does penetrate the skin,
have it surgically removed at once by a surgeon knowledgeable in this procedure.
▲ Never become complacent and ignore any safety instructions. Always check all nuts,
bolts, hoses and other fixings daily for tightness, security and damage. Repair immediately
if require Always transport the machine in the recommended position (see instructions in
transport section) with the cutterbar guard in position.

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▲ Never walk or work under any raised boom or cutterhead. The boom could fall and
cause serious bodily injury or death. Always lower the boom and cutterhead flat on the
ground or support the boom and cutterhead on safety stands. Unload all hydraulic
actuators prior to doing any maintenance. Set the cutterhead on the ground, and then kill
the tractor engine. Push and pull the Control levers in and out several times to remove
pressure.
▲ Do not work under raised boom or cutterhead unless components are securely blocked
up to prevent inadvertent dropping
▲ Always read carefully and comply fully with the manufacturer’s instructions when
handling oil, solvents, cleansers and any other chemical agents.
▲ Always maintain the safety decals in good readable condition. If the decals become
damaged or unreadable, reorder them immediately.
▲ In addition to the design and configuration of this implement, including safety signs and
safety equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the
awareness, concern prudence, and proper training of personnel involved in the operation,
transport, maintenance, and storage of the machine. Refer also to safety messages and
operation instruction in each of the appropriate sections of the tractor and machine
manuals. Pay close attention to the safety signs affixed to the tractor and machine.
Although the information given here covers a wide range of safety subjects, it is
impossible to predict every eventuality that can occur under differing
circumstances whilst operating this machine. No advice given here can replace
‘good common sense’ and ‘total awareness’ at all times, but will go a long way
towards the safe use of your Spearhead machine

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TRACTOR REQ IREMENTS
TRACTOR REQ IREMENTSTRACTOR REQ IREMENTS
TRACTOR REQ IREMENTS
TWIGA 120 machines are specifically designed to be fitted to all tractors with category 1
linkage facility and a minimum weight (inclusive of ballast) to manufacturer’s specifications
of 650 kg (1430 lbs).
Check chains/stabiliser bars must be available to hold the machine firmly in position during
transport and operation.
The tractor selected must have a relief valve setting of between 2000 – 3000 psi (110 -
210 Bar). NOTE: Tractors which operate on a 'closed centre' hydraulic principle are
unsuitable e.g. John Deere.
Irrespective of the size of the tractor it must be stable during transport and operation of the
machine at all times under all conditions. Due regard must be paid to operating on slopes -
front end ballast and rear wheel weights should be added as appropriate to
counterbalance overhang of the Cutterbar – refer to vehicle/tractor preparation page for
further information on this subject.

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VEHICLE / TRACTOR PREPARATION
VEHICLE / TRACTOR PREPARATIONVEHICLE / TRACTOR PREPARATION
VEHICLE / TRACTOR PREPARATION
We recommend vehicles are fitted with
cabs using ‘safety glass’ windows and
protective guarding when used with our
machines. Fit Operator Guard using the hooks
provided. Shape the mesh to cover
all vulnerable areas. Remember the driver must be
looking through mesh and/or polycarbonate glazing
when viewing the cutterhead in any working position - unless the vehicle/ cab
manufacturer can demonstrate that the penetration resistance is equivalent to, or higher
than, that provided by mesh/polycarbonate glazing. If the tractor has a roll bar only, a
frame must be made to carry both mesh and polycarbonate glazing. The operator should
also use personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of serious injury such as; eye
protection (mesh visor to EN1731 or safety glasses to EN166), hearing protection to
EN352, safety helmet to EN297, gloves, filter mask and high visibility clothing.
Vehicle Ballast
It is imperative when attaching ‘third-party’ equipment to a vehicle that the maximum
possible stability of the machine and vehicle combination is achieved – this can be
accomplished by the utilisation of ‘ballast’ in order to counter-balance the additional
equipment added. Front weights may be required for rear mounted machines to place 15%
of total outfit weight on the front axle for stable transport on the road and to reduce
‘crabbing’ due to the drag of the cutting unit when working on the ground. Rear weights
may be required to maintain a reasonable amount of rear axle load on the opposite wheel
from the arms when in work; for normal off-ground work i.e. hedge cutting this should be
20% of rear axle weight or more for adequate control, and for ground work i.e. verge
mowing with experienced operators, this can be reduced to 10%. All factors must be
addressed in order to match the type and nature of the equipment added to the
circumstances under which it will be used.
Factors that affect stability
• Centre of gravity of the tractor/machine combination.
• Geometric conditions, e.g. position of the cutting head and ballast.
• Weight, track width and wheelbase of the tractor.
• Acceleration, braking, turning and the relative position of the cutting head during these
operations.
• Ground conditions, e.g. slope, grip, load capability of the soil/surface.
• Rigidity of implement mounting.

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Suggestions to increase stability
• Increasing rear wheel track; a vehicle with a wider wheel track is more stable.
• Ballasting the wheel; it is preferable to use external weights but liquid can be added to
around 75% of the tyre volume – water with anti-freeze or the heavier Calcium Chloride
alternative can be used.
• Addition of weights – care should be taken in selecting the location of the weights to
ensure they are added to a position that offers the greatest advantage.
• Front axle locking, check with tractor manufacturer.
The advice above is offered as a guide for stability only and is not a guide to vehicle
strength. It is therefore recommended that you consult your vehicle manufacturer or
local dealer to obtain specific advice on this subject, additionally advice should be
sought from a tyre specialist with regard to tyre pressures and ratings suitable for
the type and nature of the machine you intend to fit.

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FITTING THE MACHINE
FITTING THE MACHINEFITTING THE MACHINE
FITTING THE MACHINE
Attachment to Tractor
Attachment of the machine to the tractor should be performed on a firm level site.
The procedure for attachment is as follows:
• Unbolt the upper halves of the yoke and fit them either side of the tractors top hitch
bracket with the ¾" UNF nut and bolt provided. If the tractor has only one top hitch position
the bolt will replace the existing top hitch pin. If more than one location is available mount
the yokes through an alternative position as it will make it easier to put the machine on and
off the tractor. Do not tighten the nut at this stage.
• Attach the machine to the three point linkage and raise to give 200 - 250mm (8” – 9”)
clearance under the lowest part of the frame.
• Re-bolt the yoke halves together - it may be necessary to raise or lower the machine on
the linkage to achieve whole alignment.
• Adjust the top link until the main frame is vertical.
• Tighten the nut and bolt securing the upper yoke just enough to eliminate any sideways
movement. Do not over tighten and squeeze the top hitch brackets.
• Tighten the check chains/stabiliser bars, release its holding chain and position the control
valve to suit both tractor and operator - this is achieved by a combination of height
adjustments in the mounting bar abutment and by bending the mounting bar itself.
• Turn the parking leg upside down and pin in position.
• Couple up the hydraulics – see below.
Coupling up Hydraulics
Consult the tractor’s handbook for correct installation of the supply and return connection.
Note: If the tractor is equipped with one or more quick release hydraulic couplings the
TWIGA 120 supply and return hydraulic components may need to be re-arranged to
facilitate fitting to a variety of tractors.
The motor drain line must always be returned to a low pressure position i.e. transmission
filler plug. Where no specific return connection is available and the transmission filler plug
has to be used, an adaptor must be fitted, which, then allows the motor return and the
motor drain to utilise a common return location. Run up the machine and operate through
its complete range of movements including the operation of the cutterbar drive. Check the
tractors transmission oil level and top up if necessary. You are now ready to proceed to
the worksite.
TWIGA 120 – Hydraulic Connections

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REMOVAL OF THE MACHINE
REMOVAL OF THE MACHINEREMOVAL OF THE MACHINE
REMOVAL OF THE MACHINE
Removal of the machine from the tractor should always be performed on a firm level site.
Removal Procedure
• Replace the stand leg in the park position with foot down.
• Position the arms so that the motor is level with the bottom of the frame.
• Disconnect the supply and return hoses plus the motor drain line from the tractor.
• Raise the tractor linkage to take the weight off the yoke. Where a common top link and
yoke position is used the yoke must be unbolted in the middle. If different top link location
are used the yoke may be unbolted at the top.
• Lower the machine to the ground and disconnect the three point linkage. Remove top
halves of the yoke if still attached to tractor.
• Use chain to tie the hydraulic control valve back to the main arm - this will make it easier
for subsequent coupling up.
• Blank off hose ends or loop the hoses and join with a coupling if available to protect hose
lines from risk of contamination.
Storage
Ideally, storage of the machine should be in clean dry location where the machine is
protected from the elements. If the machine is to be left standing for an extended period of
time lightly coat the exposed portions of the ram rods with grease. Note: the grease should
be removed and the ram rods wiped clean before the rams are next moved as it will, over
a period of time, become contaminated with dust and grit.
Liberally grease the cutterbar and replace the finger and knife guard. Remember to take
care and keep fingers away from the knife. If the machine is to be stored outside lie a
piece of tarpaulin or canvas over the control valve - do not use a plastic bag as this will
promote rapid corrosion of components.

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OPERATION
OPERATIONOPERATION
OPERATION
Operation Safety
Before commencing operation of the machine all operators must read this manual paying
particular attention to the aspects relating to safe use of the machine. The operator is not
only responsible for their own safety but also the safety of all other persons who enter into
the close proximity of the working machine.
Cable Controls
Four levers individually control the operating
functions of the machine the knobs of which are
colour coded according to use.
The function and operational direction of the
levers are as follows where indicates
movement of the lever away from the operator
and indicates movement towards the operator:
1. Red - Reach Out and Reach In.
2. Yellow - Lift Down and Lift Up.
3. Green - Angle Up and Angle Down.
4. Black - Cutterbar On and Cutterbar Off.
Proportional Controls
On proportional models all operational functions are controlled by a single joystick. With
the power switched on via the left hand switch on the control box, forward and rearward
operation of the joystick controls Lift Down and Lift Up respectively whilst sideways
operation controls Reach In and Reach Out – the particular sideways direction will depend
on which side of the tractor the machine is working at the time. Angle function is controlled
by rotation of the top of the joystick. The centre switch on the control box switches the
cutterbar on and off.
1. Reach In and Out
2. Lift Up and Down
3. Angle Up and Down
4. Cutterbar On / Off
Before commencing work it is advisable to find an unobstructed level site and operate the
machine through its entire range of movements to familiarise yourself with the controls and
the machines response to them. This is a wise precaution for all operators and a must for
the inexperienced.

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Performance & Working Geometry
The ‘swingover’ feature allows it to be operated on both sides of the tractor without any re-
building or operator adjustments. However, to achieve the best cutting action the cutterbar
mounting is designed to pitch the knife downwards at eight degrees.
This is maintained throughout the operating range except when the cutterbar is pointing
upwards during operations on the left hand side. In these positions the knife has to operate
with its back to the hedge and therefore some deterioration in the quality of cut can be
expected. If it is necessary to carry out a considerable amount of work in these positions
the topping performance can be improved by shortening the top link, this will tilt the
machine forward thus altering the approach angle of the cutterbar. The geometry also
results in considerably less reach being available for ground cutting on the left hand side.
In addition, be aware that the geometry, depending on the length of draft links and the size
of the tractor's wheels may allow the cutterbar to foul the tractor tyres; therefore extra care
should be taken when positioning the cutterbar for ‘close in’ ground cuts. Also check
carefully that there is clearance between the arms and the tractor's roll bar/cab before
executing the 'swing over' maneuver, The operation of the arms takes priority on the oil
flow and will cause the knife to slow down during arm movements. If cutting material which
is towards the limit of the Excel 120’s capabilities avoid making arm adjustments while
cutting is taking place as there is a likelihood, that the knife will stall.
Swingover Prevention Mechanism
During normal arm movements to either side of
the tractor a safety mechanism is employed to
prevent the machine from accidentally
swinging over to the opposing work side when
operating the arms in raised positions.
Swingover Procedure
To swingover the machine for work on the
opposing side ‘reach out’ should be fully
operated to its furthest point then ‘lift up’ to
raise the arms into the upright position, by
operating angle the cutterbar can be turned to
the opposing side – the transfer of weight and
operation of ‘lift down’ will now permit working
on the opposing side.
Wherever possible the swingover procedure should be performed on level ground – if
swinging over on sloping ground is absolutely unavoidable always carry out the maneuver
with the tractor facing directly up the slope.
WARNING: Never attempt the swingover procedure when facing either across or
down a slope.

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Breakaway Protection
Breakaway ProtectionBreakaway Protection
Breakaway Protection
A mechanism is built into the lower mounting points to allow ‘breakback’ of the machine for
protection of components in the event of accidental contact with immovable objects. The
sprung mechanism works in conjunction with the lift ram base pin allowing the feature to
transfer to the whichever side the machine is operating on. When encountering an
obstruction and the tractor continues to move forward the free suspended link will pivot
about its mounting bar and allow the complete armhead and frame to move up and back
until the obstruction is cleared or the tractor brought to a halt. Resetting of the breakaway
is completely automatic with the armhead returning to the work position under gravity.
WARNING: It is important to understand that this feature is for component
protection in unavoidable circumstances only, the breakaway geometry gives
limited movement and therefore should not replace the operator’s responsibility to
avoid potentially damaging situations.
Tractor Control Settings
Refer to the tractor’s hand book to ascertain the correct control settings to suit the type of
machine and the hydraulic installation.
Operational Limitations
The TWIGA 120 is a light hedge trimming tool - attempting to cut unsuitable material will
cause the knife to stall resulting in the tractors relief valve blowing and overheated oil.
Tractor Engine Speed
The tractor engine should be run at a speed which will give 2½ - 4½ gpm (12 - 20 litres) of
oil flow to the cutterbar motor. Less will be insufficient to do the work; more will result in
increasing cutterbar vibration and greatly accelerated wear.
Tractor Forward Speed
This is a matter for common sense and experience. It must be fast enough to maintain the
correct oil flow but slow enough to enable the cutterbar to do its job properly.
Highway Working
If it is intended to cut roadside hedges or to work in the vicinity where the public have
access, it is a statutory requirement that suitable warning signs are placed at both ends of
the work area. These signs should not be more than ½ mile (0.8 km) apart. To further
promote highway safety the use of headlamps would be beneficial. Hazard warning lamps
should not be used as oncoming vehicles could easily misjudge braking distance in
presuming the tractor approaching them is stationary.
Cutterbar – Unclogging, Checking or Adjusting
Before leaving the tractor seat select ‘Cutterbar Off’, switch off tractor engine and remove
the starting key. Should the cutterbar become clogged NEVER, NEVER, NEVER clear any
debris from the fingers or knife with your hands - use a stick from the hedge or other
suitable tools.

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WARNING: Always keep fingers away from the knife as the crankshaft fly wheel can
move under gravity and activate the knife even though the tractor engine is
switched off.
Transport
Place the cutterbar guard over the knife remembering to keep your fingers away from the
knife as it can move even with the tractor engine switched off. Place the machine in the
transport position by carrying out the following procedure:
• Position the main arm on the left hand side of the machine.
• Fully retract the angle ram.
• Fully extend the reach ram and operate ‘lift up’ until the main arm abuts against the
transport stop.
Optional Extras
Cuttings Tray – this bolts to the cutterbar and projects to the rear providing a plate which
encourages cuttings to slide off the hedge when topping. Finger Bar - bolted to the
cutterbar it deflects the cuttings away from the drive mechanism preventing any likelihood
of the drive becoming clogged.